Fabregas 'flattered' by United interest

ESPN FC's Taylor Twellman tackles a burning question in the minds of Manchester United fans. Was Juan Mata worth the price?

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has admitted he was "flattered" by Manchester United's repeated attempts to sign him last summer.

Fabregas was the subject of two bids from Old Trafford following David Moyes' arrival at the club, but the move failed to materialise.

"I do follow the Premier League a lot and it's always flattering when a club like Manchester United talks very well about you and you can see they want you, but I'm going through an amazing moment at Barcelona," Fabregas told the BBC.

"I'm playing every week and I feel very important to the team. I'm very happy right now. This season I have felt more like myself, with more freedom and more secure with the way I like to play. It's not easy when you know you have to convince many fans how good you are and how good you can be for the team.

"The manager [Tito Vilanova] has trusted me and given me what I needed. I'm probably going through my best spell here."

Fabregas also expressed his shock at Chelsea's decision to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United in last month's transfer window.

"I was surprised to see Juan move there because I think he has been Chelsea's best player over the last two years," Fabregas added.

"He's produced some amazing performances as they won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup and he scored in the final of the European Championship with Spain."